Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Plumbing and sewer technology are rapidly changing, and yet the basics still remain somewhat the same. New methods like pipe lining and pipe bursting allow for new, smooth pipes without the need for digging or excavating. Yet, leaks and kitchen sink drains can still be as troublesome to home and business owners alike. Many of these problems can be prevented, however some repairs may be necessary simply because your plumbing may be aging after years of use.

If you think that there may be something wrong with your plumbing or sewer system, then make sure to call the experts at SPT pipe. We understand everything from the basic plumbing problem to trenchless pipe linings. However, we also have the years of expertise and knowledge to know how many common plumbing problems can be avoided. We are here to help with any of your plumbing concerns. These are just a few of the basic questions that we receive from the customer’s that we are proud to serve.

What do I do if I think that my property has a leak?

There are many indications that you could have a leak in your plumbing system. However, there are a number of steps you can take to try and minimize the amount of damage that a leak could be causing on your property. Since water may be continuously flowing from the broken section of pipe, you are going to want to turn off your water by finding your water main line. This valve will allow you to turn off all of the water flowing onto your property, including the section of pipe leaking water.

The section in your plumbing that is leaking will probably have pooling and extensive water damage. However, there are some leaks that are harder to detect. Pipes near roads or municipal infrastructure will be hard to diagnose without extensive invasive measures that may require permits.

That is why we recommend that you call a plumber when you notice that you may have a leak on your property. Although you may be able to source the leak so some degree, its exact location can be difficult to pinpoint. The depth of the pipe, location in relation to other infrastructure, and landscaping will also play a large part in how the repair will have to take place. At SPT, we have the tools and experience to conduct inspections without any need to dig or excavate your property. We can perform a camera inspection that will be able to look through your plumbing system and find the compromised section by using access points like a drain or sewer line.

If you think you may have a leak on your property, make sure to call a professional right away. Our team at SPT knows how to accurately locate a leak with our minimally invasive trenchless measures.

How can I check if I have a leak?

There are many signs that you may have a leak on your property. The most obvious sign that you may have a leak is to search for pooling or areas where water is not normally found. However, sometimes water may evaporate, leaving mineral deposits, or water lines, behind after drying over time.

Other signs of leaks may be more difficult. In areas that are damp or moist, mold will begin to grow and rot away your walls, cabinets, flooring, or ceiling. If you locate any mold, then water must be commonly exposed to that area at some when you may not be looking.

Another sign that you may have a leak is if your water bill is unusually high. Since the water meter to your property tracks how much water you use, then it will be also be tracking the amount of leaking water that is flowing somewhere on your property. If the leak is extremely large, then there may be water pooling in the surrounding landscaping.

One of the more accurate ways to see if you have a leak is to record your meter. After recording the meter amount, do not allow anyone on the property to use the water for some time. If done correctly, then the meter amount will have increased, despite any actual water use.

Can a leak in a pipe get worse over time?

Yes, even the smallest pin-sized leak can turn worse over time. Since the water or waste will flow through the opening at a high pressure, the pipe will begin to quickly corrode over time. More corrosion means a larger leak. If you notice a leak beginning on your property, then call a professional service crew, like SPT, to get the problem looked at before any extensive damage occurs.

Can you perform the repairs without digging?

One of our goals at SPT is to provide the most up-to-date services to our clients. That is why is why we perform our repairs through trenchless methods that do not require any digging or excavating. In order to perform most repairs, we simply need one or two access points in your plumbing system. These access points are typically a drain or sewer entrance.

Once we find a suitable access point, we will use a camera to fully inspect your plumbing system. During this time, we will gain video footage of each section in your plumbing, including the broken section of pipe that may need to be repaired or looked at closer. An added benefit to having a camera inspection is that we can also search for any other sections that may have signs of corrosion or other weaknesses.

After finding and locating the broken pipe, then we can begin the repair that best suits your needs. Each method that we employ can be modified to suit your personal and property needs. Each trenchless process that we use is minimally invasive and still provides a thorough, long-lasting repair.

How do I know if I have tree roots in my pipes?

Many people aren’t aware of how common it is for tree roots to enter your plumbing system. Sewer lines that are near landscaping or trees are especially susceptible to being invaded as they may be have fractured or exposed areas where roots can enter.

Your plumbing system may have a couple of symptoms if tree roots have invaded your pipes. If you experience any clogs or sewage backup, then there may be roots blocking the flow. You may also notice that there is also be water pooling around the leak, or area where roots have actually entered your pipes.

If you think that tree roots have entered your plumbing system, then make sure to call a professional, experienced plumber today. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that the typical property owner can do for a problem like this. A plumbing expert, like those at SPT, will want to perform a camera inspection to see just how much damage may have been caused to your plumbing system. From there, the serviceman will be able to recommend the solution that is right for you and your property.

Is it ok to put grease down the kitchen sink drain?

Even with a garbage disposal, clogs and blockages in a kitchen sink drain can be common. However, businesses, like restaurants, can have larger food waste amounts that may tamper with the efficiency of your plumbing system. Residential properties and homeowners may also notice that food waste may resurface out of the sink drain when they run the dish washing machine as well.

All of these are signs that you may be giving your plumbing system more than it can handle. However, it is still ok to put some food and other waste down your drain. Common food waste and particles are ok, however trash and harder materials, like bones, should go into the trash.

One of the worse things that you can put down your drains is grease and fat from cooking. If you have any leftover fat from cooking, like bacon grease, then make sure to poor the liquid into a container that you can dispose in the garbage. If poured down the drain, grease and fat will solidify in your pipes. Since the fat will only liquidize when heated, it is difficult to remove the lodged grease once it is deep in your plumbing system. This problem is then made worse when food particles and additional grease adheres on to the solidified fat.

If you do happen to accidentally pour grease down your drain, then pour hot water down as soon as possible. The hotter water you pour down the drain, the more likely that the grease will continue to flow out of your sewer system.

What are the most common causes of pipe corrosion?

There are number of reasons that pipes corrode. Although the durability of the pipe will mostly depend on its material, there are other factors that may degrade your pipes prematurely.

One of the worst things for your pipe’s long-term health are drain-cleaning chemicals. These harsh chemicals may temporarily work, but the clog will only continue. Sometimes the clog may even become unclogged, only to move to another area deeper in your plumbing system. These chemicals will only make things worse with repeated use.

The pH and temperature of the water can also impact how fast your pipes will corrode. If your water has a large amount of minerals, then the inside of your pipes might have layers of mineral deposits. These variables, combined with the water pressure, will all dramatically influence how fast your plumbing system’s pipes will wear over time.

Why is my water utility bill going up, but the amount of water I use hasn’t?

The amount of water that you use on your business or residential property will vary from person to person. However, there are some utility bills that simply don’t add up to the amount of water that your property typically uses to fulfill its needs. You may also begin to notice that water is pooling in your yard or in sections of your property when it hasn’t rained.

These are all signs that you may a water leak somewhere on your property. Your water meter measures the amount of water that your property uses from day to day. However, the water meter may have an inaccurate reading because it will also be measuring the water that is escaping through the broken, leaking section of pipe. Your large water bill may be a sign that you have a water leak on your property.

How can I prevent my pipes from freezing in the winter?

During the winter, colder temperatures can absolutely freeze your plumbing system and pipes. When water in your pipes turn to ice and expands, the increased pressure in your system may cause your pipes to burst. Before you leave for the holidays, or prepare for a colder spell of weather, remember to disconnect, drain, and store your garden hose to prevent outside fixtures from freezing and bursting. You may also want to make sure that any pipes in your basement, garage, and attic are also insulated as they may not be in the warmer parts of your home. You can also open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air into spaces where pipes may be cooler.

Is it ok to use drain cleaning chemicals?

We never advise drain cleaning chemicals. These chemicals may be a temporary solution, but they are a long-term mistake. The chemical will temporarily dislodge the clog, but the clog will continue to occur until the source of the problem is addressed. These chemicals will also corrode sections of your pipes. If used too frequently, then these corroded sections may develop leaks or fractures that will require more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.

Have more questions?

If you notice anything unusual with your plumbing or sewer system, then make sure to call the experts at SPT today. We have the knowledge to help with the smallest of plumbing issues and the experience to handle the problems that never seem to get fixed. We are also available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your plumbing systems efficiency and overall health.

Our experience with SPT was stellar from start to finish. During the bid they showed us a demo of the pipe-lining technology they use, and the price was reasonable, especially compared with the alternative of jackhammering the slab throughout the house. Ours was a 3-day job and all workers showed up on time and well-briefed on the work to be done, and (very important to us) cleaned up after themselves every day.

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